A startup business is no easy job to do. It requires adequate preparation so that you can start earning and getting results. Many people think that starting a business is merely opening a store, stocking it, and beginning operations as soon as you do that.

If you do that, you never see results because it is apparent that you did not work on the foundation as needed. Bearing this in mind, then I will be correct if I stated that starting a business involves several activities.

If you want to know how to start a new business, then you have come to the right place. We are going to highlight ten requirements that ensure a good beginning.

1. Market research

The primary goal of your business is to make profits. Now, as you start, you should ask yourself who your clients would be. Therefore, do thorough research on this. It can help you improve your product or service and gather opportunities that you did not see at the beginning. Use surveys, questionnaires, and online research to get useful data.

2. Write a business plan

Many people usually avoid this step because they regard it as unnecessary. However, this is the first mistake that could lead to failure. As you write down the document, you can learn a lot and have a clear objective and vision that you want to achieve. Be sure that you will require the report if you wish to pitch to investors and potential partners.

3. Improve your product

Most people learn on the job while others never want to learn this way. If you wish to do the latter, then during research, offer your product to a few people. Freebies are the most suitable ways to get feedback from prospects. Let them be honest when giving the feedback. Be sure to listen to everything they say even if it is negative.

4. Make it official

Once you have the idea in place, get certifications from your local authority. Do not start the business without doing this because it can ruin your client’s trust. Some clients are sensitive. They will check whether you have insurance and a license to operate so that they can feel safe. Additionally, do not forget to acquire a tax ID.

5. Package your product

Your product needs special packaging so that you can get enough income to pay employees (if you will have them), pay tax, rent, and any other utilities for the adequate running of your business. Clients should always find your services/ products to be affordable. You will have to find out your demographics well.

6. Find a good location

You will need a place to store equipment and products that you sell. The office should act as the central place where you operate your business. Consider two things when finding your location: It should be close to your demographic. Thus, find an accessible place. Two, it should be spacious enough to fit everything that you store there.

7. Find the relevant departments

Divide your firm into small departments. Avoid operating the firm as a whole because it can be challenging to describe jobs to employees. Find out how many departments will suit the business, and set offices for the various managers and supervisors that you will have to hire. When you do so, it will be easy to find people to employ and to pay them.

8. Hire professionals

Do not risk hiring people that do not have the right qualifications. Wrong people in the company can lead to bad decisions, loss of money, or even closure if it comes to the worst. Therefore, advertise that you have a vacancy for specific posts. Local job boards can be the best place to run the ads. Remember to state requirements to prospects.

9. Finance the business

Money determines a lot. It will determine how much stock you will have for your first consignment and how much assets you will acquire. Look for investors if the amount of money that you have is not adequate to start the business. A small tip, however, is to make sure that you present your pitch effectively to capture the attention of the investor.

In the past week, Vivo has been dropping hints on its social media accounts. It kicked off with a video of a fingerprint depicted like a spiral galaxy in an apparent reference to its pioneering In-Display Fingerprint Scanning Technology. Its second teaser was a video of a launch of a space rocket. The third one was another video of the moon with a curved line emphasizing its shape.

In this case, Vivo seems to be getting a lot of inspiration from the cosmos for its next smartphone. What do you think will Vivo post next? Best to keep watch on its social media pages.

Hair loss is a concern for both men and women. It can have a devastating effect on anyone who experiences it.

According to Web MD, the average adult head has about 100,000 to 150,000 strands of hair and loses up to 100 of them a day, which is normal. As people age, their rate of hair growth slows, and they can experience losing more than hundreds of strands which is quite alarming. So what can you do to prevent it?

For beauty and wellness expert, Cory Quirino, embracing wellness is the first step to help improve the hair’s condition and make people look younger.

“If you choose to have a wellness lifestyle, then expect wonderful changes such as radiant skin, energy, and a general sense of well-being,” she emphasizes. “In time, you will realize that you have successfully delayed the aging process.”

On top of a daily health regimen, a supplement is necessary to maintain a healthy hair and scalp. Many people opt to use chemical-based products. But for her, the use of natural products is a must and the best solution for hair loss.

“There are hair treatment products in the market today that claim to be effective but their ingredients could contain chemicals that may prove harmful with long-term use,” she enthuses. “Choose natural. Say NO to harsh chemicals and let nature do the makeover,” she emphasizes.

Natural ingredients such as virgin coconut oil (VCO) and aloe vera are loaded with beneficial properties, which boost the health of the scalp and hair. These and much more natural herbs and essential oils can be found in NOVUHAIR, a topical scalp lotion with 19 natural ingredients that work in synergy to help prevent hair loss, which the beauty and wellness expert approves of.

“Even if I have been blessed with thick hair, I know that it has to be cared for,” she maintains. “I use NOVUHAIR topical scalp lotion once daily in the evening before bedtime. Next morning, I apply it on my scalp again, then a shampoo after 30 minutes. Those who wish to further thicken the hair, it is a must to also use the shampoo and conditioner daily.”

Eventually, she noticed impressive effects after using this breakthrough product: a significant lessening of hair fall, abundant growth of tress, and the return of locks’ luster.

Apart from being effective, it’s a very safe solution, too. A local clinical study has proven that NOVUHAIR has no adverse side effects with continuous use.

Moreover, NOVUHAIR is not just for those who experience hair loss. Younger people, especially the millennials, can use it for maintenance or prevention if hair loss runs in the family.

Cory recommends NOVUHAIR to everyone, especially to those who want to maintain their hair the best way they can. For her, this globally-competitive natural product answers the needs of a discriminating, health-conscious public.

Born on August 11, the granddaughter of the late Philippine President Elpidio Quirino is an author, and television and radio host. She has been a strong advocate for natural health, beauty, and wellness for more than two decades.

“Twenty years ago, it was as simple a goal as weight loss. But when I saw the dramatic effect it had on my vitality and complexion, I knew that this was the good path to take. For those who wish the same things I wanted then, this would be just as easy to embrace,” Cory recalls.

She wrote a series of best-seller books entitled “Forever Young”, which feature beauty and health tips as well as her own workout programs. Likewise, she also made a fitness video called “Cory Quirino’s Celebrity Workout for Beginners”.

For her, living in the 21st century has its challenges. She says: “The best way to live long and be well is to live a natural life.”

Truly, for a natural woman like Cory, her crowning glory deserves nothing but a world-class natural remedy that is NOVUHAIR.

NOVUHAIR is available at Mercury Drug and other leading drugstores nationwide. You may also have the product delivered right at your doorstep through Lazada at https://bit.ly/2Jc92Vk

Building a home is probably one of the most expensive investments you will ever make, so you need to make sure that every aspect of building a home is well thought out. A big decision you will need to make is in choosing your home builder. You want someone you can trust, and who can deliver the best results while sticking to the budget you have set. To help you, here are some tips you should follow while looking for a home builder.

1. Ask for recommendations from friends and colleagues- the best thing you can do is to ask friends and colleagues who have recently hired a home builder if they can recommend their own home builders to you. While it is easy to check the internet for potentials, firsthand information is best. This way, aside from being able to ask the people you know about the kind of service they received, you are also able to see firsthand what the results are when you get to visit their houses. You can check if the result is of good quality and if the design aesthetic is similar to what you had in mind.

2. Determine your budget and the kind of design you want - before you start making a list of your potential home builders, it is important that you actually know how much you are willing to shell out. It would be hard to discuss what kind of house you will have built unless you have an idea of the working budget you have set aside. You can also start your research and determine exactly what features you want in your house. Are you looking for a bungalow, or do you want your house to be more than one story high? Make sure to be clear with your builder when you meet with them so that they can give you an idea on whether your ideal home would be feasible with your budget. A good home builder, like Eaglewood Homes, will make sure that you are well informed. They will not make promises and tell you that they will make the budget work even if your ideal home has many features, etc.

3. Be sure of the quality of their work - more than anything, you need to be certain that whoever you will choose as the ones to build your home will produce only quality work. Your home is not just a temporary residence. You and your family will be living there for many years to come so you want to make sure that it will last for years to come. Ideally, you want your home to be more than just a place to sleep, etc. This is where your children will grow up, where your grandchildren can visit during your birthday. It is where your relatives will gather during the holidays or other special events, that's why the quality of the built homes should be one of your top priorities. You can ask your potential home builder on the materials they use and check if you can have a look at their past projects so you can see the quality of their work.

Any brand can claim that it is the best in the industry. But the true innovator let its outputs speak for them. Global smartphone brand Vivo is one of those that walk the talk. Every year, the smartphone brand has released smartphone units with features that disrupt the industry. From developing Hi-Fi technology to making 3D ubiquitous, Vivo has made its mark in the cut-throat industry with its world’s first developments.

Hi-Fi music

Vivo brings music to life with its Hi-Fi ready smartphone models.

One of the first innovations of Vivo was its decision to put a dedicated Hi-Fi quality audio chip in its smartphone, making it the first brand that gave proper attention to its handsets’ sound quality. Vivo introduced its Hi-Fi Quality Audio Chip in X1 in 2012.

It continued this legacy in their succeeding flagship models. The Vivo X21 is equipped with the AK4376A Hi-Fi audio chipset enhanced with Deep Field technology. This was developed by Vivo to provide panoramic surround, mega bass, clear voice effects, and various environmental audio effects to allow users to customize their audio experience.

The Hi-Fi audio quality of Vivo X21 provides close-to-reality that can instantly upgrade the two-channel music to 360-degree full surround sound or continuously push the natural bass into the ears to bring the clearest and brightest vocals.

Over 20-MP front cameras

Reel and real: Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla take a selfie using the Vivo V7+.

Vivo has been dedicated to understanding its patrons and understood fully well the world’s obsession with selfies. It revolutionized the selfie game when it came out with a 20-megapixel dual front camera in V5 Plus. It is the first smartphone brand to do so, leaving the others working hard to catch up.

It was then followed up by the 24-MP front camera in V7 and V7+. In fact, Vivo V7+ was hailed as the best selfie phone in 2017 by many tech blogs and sites. The next model with 24-MP AI-powered selfie camera of the V9, proving that Vivo never stops pushing the limits in perfecting the features that matter most to its patrons.

Bezel-less screens

The Vivo NEX features an industry-leading 91.24% screen-to-body ratio.

Aside from its selfie-centric developments, Vivo is also a leader in enhancing every patron’s screen display experience.

Vivo at the Mobile World Congress 2018 in Barcelona, Spain last February revealed a concept phone called the APEX™ FullView™. It features a typical 5.99-inch screen, but its screen-to-body ratio nearly reaches 100%. This proves that Vivo is committed to producing a genuine bezel-less smartphone in the market.

The V9, meanwhile, boasts of a 90% screen-to-body ratio with its 6.3-inch FullView™ Display.

Vivo X21, on the other hand, has a 6.28-inch 19:9 FHD+ FullView™ Display. It has a super slim notch and a 1.66mm side bezels to achieve a 90.3% screen-to-body ratio to provide a wider viewing experience compared to other similar-sized phones.

Despite these impressive specs, Vivo is not yet done. The newest Vivo NE has an Ultra FullView™ Display with a 91.24% screen-to-body ratio, achieved by introducing industry-first features like the Elevating Front Camera and the Screen SoundCasting Technology.

These innovative developments may be enough for some but Vivo does not want to be the second best. It is also a pioneer in developing ultramodern yet convenient unlocking methods. Vivo has recently revealed that it has advanced the fingerprint scanning method by making the technology available on a screen. It debuted the first ready-to-produce in-display fingerprint scanning solution at the Consumer Electronics Show 2018 in Las Vegas last January.

Vivo in June 2018 introduced in the Philippines the Vivo X21 with the pioneering In-Display Fingerprint Scanning Technology. It replaces the rear fingerprint sensor with the latest under-display scanner.

Pop-out camera

Where’s the cam? In Vivo NEX, the selfie camera only comes out when the user needs it.

Vivo wowed the world early 2018 with the release of its concept smartphone APEX that achieves a nearly 98% screen-to-body ratio. APEX features an 8-MP Elevating Front Camera that seamlessly rises in 0.8 seconds when it is required and retracts after use.

This technology was made commercially available when NEX was released in June 2018. It has an 8MP Elevating Front Camera that is inside the smartphone’s body when not in use.

Screen SoundCasting

The Vivo APEX is packed with world’s first specs like the Screen SoundCasting Technology.

The Screen SoundCasting Technology was first introduced in APEX. It was then launched for commercial release in the Vivo NEX. It replaces the traditional earpiece speaker by turning the screen into a speaker. It achieves this by sending vibrations through the screen with the exciter unit. This allows Vivo to reduce the top bezel and to enhances sound quality with more powerful bass, and softer, smoother treble.

TOF 3D Sensing Technology

Vivo introduced its TOF 3D technology at the MWC Shanghai 2018.

Vivo revealed its Time of Flight (TOF) 3D Sensing Technology at MWC Shanghai 2018. It promises a paradigm shift in imaging, AR, and human-machine interaction to elevate consumer lifestyles with new levels of immersion and smart capability. This pioneering TOF 3D Sensing Technology detects the time it takes emitted pulse light to return to the sensor to accurately map objects at up to three meters in front of it.

With these developments under its belt, Vivo has proven itself to be a force to reckon with. And as it continues to grow, tech enthusiasts can only expect nothing game-changing innovations from Vivo. But really, what more can we ask from a brand that has been leading the way to the future of the smartphone industry?

Global smartphone brand Vivo has been known for its high-technology innovations that have wowed the world several times over. But it has also been a pioneer of various consumer-centric smartphone designs.

Starting August 20, the fastest growing smartphone brand has teased tech-savvy followers with a series of mysterious videos posted on its social media pages. The latest was a video of the moon with its shape emphasized by a curved line, a hint of the look of the next flagship smartphone.

For its latest smartphone releases, Vivo has pushed the boundaries of the screens based on various studies and insights into what its consumers want.

In 2017, Vivo released the V7+, which has a 5.99-inch AllScreen Display that offers a wider visual experience without compromising a comfortable grip. This gives those on the go a chance to enjoy a bigger screen for gaming, reading, or watching videos.

Vivo followed up the V7+ with the release of the V9 in 2018. It was their first flagship smartphone for the year with the notch. The V9 features the new 19:9 FullView™ Display that has a massive 90% screen-to-body ratio that gives users a wider look into the digital world. The Vivo V9 may be as compact as the 5.5-inch phone, but it was able to attain a 6.3-inch screen.

Halfway through the year, Vivo released the Vivo X21, its first X-series smartphone in the Philippines. It still has the iconic 19:9 FullView™ Display. But it has a bigger screen-to-body ratio of 90.3% to provide a more impactful visual experience for gamers and video hoarders.

But Vivo was able to get closer to its target when the Vivo NEX was released in some markets in June. The NEX introduces the Ultra FullView™ Display experience with a whopping 91.24% screen-to-body ratio. Vivo was able to achieve this by pioneering the 8-megapixel Elevating Front Camera that hides in the body when not in use. It also introduces the Screen SoundCasting Technology that replaces the traditional earpiece speaker entirely and cutting the bezel size.

With these releases, Vivo has proven that the window to the digital world has no limits. What barriers will the brand break next?

Unless you’re Cinderella with her helpful bunch of animal friends, you most likely experience some difficulties while cleaning your home. There are some things that are easy enough to do like dusting or sweeping the floor, but there are also challenging tasks that demand more of your time and energy. Moreover, there are also a lot of tricky areas around the house that even those who actually like cleaning might turn their nose up on.

To help keep your home sparkling clean, here’s a quick list of some of the hardest places to clean around the house and some cleaning tips and tricks from the pros for getting rid of the grime.

Stainless Steel Sinks and Appliances

Stainless steel sinks and appliances are beautiful to look at, but they are notorious magnets of fingerprints, water stains, and smudges. But keeping these shiny surfaces clean and looking new isn’t really that difficult. The secret is simply some good ol’ white vinegar and some olive oil or any other mineral oil of your choice. Simply spray the surface with some white vinegar, let it sit for a couple of minutes to loosen the grime, then wipe it off using a microfiber cloth. Make sure to follow the grain of the steel for a more thorough clean!

After completely wiping off the vinegar, simply moisten your microfiber cloth with a little bit of oil and polish off your sink or appliance. Again, follow the direction of the grain to achieve the best results. The oil will act as a sort of shield that will resist smudging and marks.

Mirrors and Glass

The trouble with mirrors and glass surfaces is that most of the time, you are using the wrong kind of cleaning cloth. So how do you achieve that streak-free shine? You need to invest in microfiber towels because they will not leave behind any lint, smears, and flecks of dust. You should also go easy on the cleaning products. Most of the time, just a bit of water is enough to do the job; if there are some stubborn stains and marks, you can use some white vinegar to get some more cleaning power. After a couple of passes with a damp microfiber cloth, immediately dry the mirror or glass surface with the clean side of the same microfiber cloth (or a separate one if the first one you used got a bit too dirty). The drying step is crucial since this will ensure that sparkling, streak-free clean.

The Toilet

Rare is the person who will say that they like cleaning the toilet. However, it needs to be done unless you want a stinky, dirty toilet that can cause a host of other problems.

To make things easier when you have to deep clean (which you should do about once a month), pour a cup of white vinegar or about half a cup of lemon juice into the bowl and let it sit for a couple of hours. Then, just lower the lid and flush. This will give the bowl a quick and refreshing wash. For the rim, just use a toilet brush specifically made to reach under the edge; you can also use an old toothbrush. Doing these once a week will keep gunk and grime from building up, which is what makes cleaning the toilet such a disgusting task.

Stovetops

From grease and oil splatters to spilled sauces, keeping the stovetop clean is really quite a challenge for the regular homeowner. What more if you’re quite the cook! However, it really shouldn’t be all that difficult if you don’t let the splatters and spills dry up. As soon as the stove is cool enough, get to cleaning immediately. Wet the surface before applying your choice of cleanser and scrub using a soft sponge or a microfiber cloth so you don’t scratch the surface. If there are any burned food, use a straight razor to scrape it off. After cleaning, wipe off the cleaning product, give it a quick rinse, then buffy dry using a soft cloth or microfiber towel.

Shower Curtains

It’s tempting to just throw away a moldy, mildewy shower curtain and just replace it with a new one. However, most shower curtains are safe to wash in the washing machine. Just let it soak in a solution of water and a cup of bleach for an hour or so before running a regular wash cycle. Do this about once a month or as soon as you see or feel the curtain get a little slippery from the accumulated soap scum. If the mold and mildew aren’t removed completely after two washes or if there is a persistent smell clinging to the curtain, that’s the time to buy a new one.

Cleaning your home is not a task that can be skipped; it’s absolutely required so you can live safely and comfortably. Hopefully, these cleaning tips can make this chore a little easier for you.

While summer can be a great time for families to bond, many parents face the challenge of getting their kids to stop staring at the screens of their phones and pay attention to family time.

Before you decide to take drastic measures like taking your child's phone away, try the following ideas to get your kids off their devices and into a fun activity!

Build a Fort:

Whether its an activity for your older teens or for your younger kids, building a fort never gets old. You can spend an afternoon or evening setting up a fort in your backyard or living room as a great way to distract your kids from using their phones. Everyone can get involved and you guys can even watch a movie from inside your fort for a nice, cozy family movie night! Be sure to give this one a try!

Try a new DIY project:

As the new school year approaches, why not have a fun DIY art project where your kids can decorate their own backups! This is a unique way to unleash your child’s creativity and artistic side. You can also add additional DIY ideas like decorating binders, folders, and pencil cases! With this idea, your kids will have one of a kind school supplies that will also remind them of their fun summer when they use them.

Get involved in the kitchen:

No matter the age, it's never too early to invite your kids into the kitchen to provide you a helping hand. However, depending on the ages of your child, you will need to set ground rules for safety precautions, but don’t hesitate to let your kids experiment in the kitchen. You can start the adventure with a recipe in mind, and head to the store with your children and give them each a list of items to find. This part is extremely exciting for the kids since they love games that simulate scavenger hunts.

Back at home, you can assign duties for your kids to all take part in the cooking or baking. The responsibility of having to complete their tasks will leave them distracted from their phones. The final product is a delicious family-made meal and a great bonding time for you and your kids.Learning Printables:Aside from going outdoors in summer, you can also opt to do indoor activities such as having educational printables. You let your kids enjoy printables such as coloring pages, mazes, word scrambles and more. They will surely be busy and have so much fun doing the activities.

Check out Printable Learning, the official blog of Carrot Ink. Since 1998, Carrot Ink has been a leading provider of high-quality ink and toner cartridges. Printable Learning offers free educational materials including coloring books and activity books.

Water Activities:

Most if not all water activities steer kids away from using their devices. Whether its a day at your local community pool or a water park. Water-themed fun is always an option to get your kids off their phones.

For the Teenagers in your Home:

Lastly, while these are just some of the many ideas you can try in your home, do keep in mind that your older children may be harder to convince to get off their devices. Contrary to popular belief, teenagers may need more attention to get them off their devices. While some of the above ideas may work for your teens, a more probable way is to just have a nice one on one lunch or dinner with your older child. Bonding with the older ones may be tricky but don’t stop trying. The best tip is to not nag too much about their devices, this will only irritate them and make them more recluse from the rest of the family.

To end, the number of activities that you can choose from are endless. The goal of it all is not just to get your kids off their devices but to also instill family time and an opportunity for you to provide learning experiences for your kids. Never shy away from teaching your kids that while technology is great, it is also important to spend time with the ones you love.

ByAmy SchollYouth Technology Safety Specialist atKidGuardDedicated to finding the best child safety measures for parents, grounded in research. Being knowledgeable about youth online usage is a key component of effective 21st-century parenting.